Authors

  1. Trevino, Colleen MSN, FNP, PhD
  2. Harl, Felicity
  3. deRoon-Cassini, Terri PhD
  4. Brasel, Karen MD, MPH
  5. Litwack, Kim PhD, RN, FAAN

Abstract

It is unclear what causes chronic pain in traumatically injured hospitalized adults. A total of 101 patients admitted to a level 1 trauma center completed interviews during their inpatient stay and at 4 months, and data on biologic, psychologic, and sociologic variables were collected. Statistical analysis used hierarchical logistical regression,[chi]2, and independent-samples t tests. Prevalence of chronic pain at 4 months was 79.2%. Those with chronic pain at 4 months had more posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression. High initial pain score was the only significant predictor of chronic pain. Initial pain intensity predicts chronic pain.